First Amendment And Compelled Speech
A fifteen-year-old student, Sammy, refuses to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The school principal informs Sammy that failure to recite the Pledge will result in expulsion. When Sammy continues to refuse, the principal expels him.
If Sammy's parents sue the principal and the school district, which of the following is the most likely outcome?
The principal's actions would be ruled unconstitutional only if Sammy can demonstrate a legitimate religious objection to reciting the Pledge.
The court would rule the principal's actions unconstitutional because the First Amendment prohibits the government from compelling speech or expression.
Because Sammy is a minor, he is not afforded protections under the Bill of Rights and must rely on the school's code of conduct.
The principal's actions are unconstitutional because the First Amendment guarantees citizens absolute freedom of speech.